Massage as a tool for better mental health

Around 25% of us suffer from poor mental health in any given year

There are lots of physical impacts of a skilful massage, the most obvious of which is easing aching muscles. However, massage also induces deeper physiological and chemical changes in the brain which can help alleviate the misery of anxiety and depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, research has shown that massage therapy offers benefits for a number of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and stress, and can help people coping with seasonal affective disorder by improving mood and boosting energy levels.

We often talk about how regular massage can improve your muscular and cardiovascular health. We know that the pressure and movement of massage stimulates blood flow, encouraging vasodilation and enabling more oxygen and nutrients to be delivered around the body, and removing waste from the tissues. However, studies suggest that the physiological effects of massage extend well beyond muscles and the cardiovascular system:

Enhanced Circulation

Improved circulation from massage can support overall bodily function, and better systemic blood flow helps ensure that more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to all organs, including the brain. Improved circulation enhances brain function and can address the brain fog and low motivation that are key symptoms of depression.

Neurochemical Changes

Massage triggers changes in hormones and neurotransmitters that influence mood and cognition.

It has been shown to consistently lower cortisol, the main stress hormone, as well as increasing serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and emotional balance. These neurochemical shifts can contribute to reduced anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced mood.

Nervous System Regulation

The slow, rhythmic strokes, gentle pressure, and soothing touch involved in massage encourages activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” response), helping the body shift out of chronic “fight or flight” stress mode. The fight or flight state is designed for short-term survival, but when it persists, it can lead to fatigue, anxious thinking, poor concentration, and difficulty relaxing. By helping the nervous system shift out of chronic stress mode, massage makes it easier for the body and brain to access a calmer, more balanced state.

Your Tool Kit

Anyone experiencing periods of poor mental health (that’s around 25% of us in any given year) will already know that the most effective approach is build up a personal ‘toolkit’ to support your recovery. This might include paying attention to your nutrition, alcohol intake, exercise habits, social network, sleep hygiene, and more. They’re all important. Massage is a simple, low-effort way of taking a moment to step back from active self-management and to place yourself in someone else’s care, just for a little while.

Massage is not a replacement for medical or psychological care, but it can be a valuable complementary approach for supporting both mental and physical health.

There’s consistent evidence that massage supports brain health not just through circulation, but through its powerful effects on stress regulation and nervous system balance. By calming the body’s stress response and supporting healthy brain chemistry, regular massage can help ease anxiety, reduce mental fog, and support overall emotional wellbeing.

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